A preliminary palaeoanthropological description of burials from the bronze-age cemetery Ksizovo 19

This article examines palaeoanthropological materials from Ksizovo 19 burial-ground originating from excavations carried out by the Early Slavic Expedition of the Institute of Archaeology, the Russian Academy of Sciences (led by A.M. Oblomsky). It had contained burials from various periods. This research was focused on Bronze-Age materials. The research was carried out as part of a multi-disciplinary bio-archaeological program and made it possible to describe several aspects of the way of life and the activities of the population and to identify certain features of society in the Middle and Late Bronze Age. Craniological features were analysed and population groups of the Middle Bronze Age, which were probably similar, were identified. Demographic features of note included the high percentage of individuals over 40 and the virtually complete absence of women’s and children’s burials. Indices reflecting levels of stress and physical strain were also analysed. A very high level of dental disease was established. Examination of post-cranial skeletons indicated the presence of traumas (probably incurred in domestic situations) and also a considerable degree of physical wear and tear testifying to the population’s active and far from easy way of life.